In an effort to provide the BC Taekwondo Community with a clearer idea of how government programming and funding operates, below are answers to some commonly asked questions.
How much funding does BC Taekwondo receive from the government? Government funding varies from year to year. An annual funding report will be prepared and posted on the website when exact distributions have been approved and finalized.
What type of government funding is BC Taekwondo Federation receiving? Funding from 2010 Legacies Now Society was granted to the BC Taekwondo Federation. Total funds were received in October 2010 and BC Taekwondo has been approved to roll over the remaining funds for use in the 2011 year as well. BC Taekwondo Federation did not receive any funds from the Direct Access/Community Gaming Grant in 2009 or 2010. Sport BC is an administrative and advocacy group, so they do not provide Provincial Sport Organizations, like BC Taekwondo with funding.
How do we know whether government funding is distributed equitably? All Provincial Sport Organizations, including BC Taekwondo Federation receiving government support must abide by a strict contribution agreement. This agreement outlines how the funds must be distributed. A detailed interim and final activity/financial report will be submitted to the government funders to ensure that funds are spent according to the agreement. All funding distribution will meet Ministry guidelines, policies and approval. BC Taekwondo will continue to make efforts to work openly and honestly with athletes, parents, member clubs, etc. in regards to government funding and programming.
Can funding from the government be directly distributed to athletes? One of the biggest misconceptions is that government funding granted to BC Taekwondo can be distributed directly to athletes. Rather than distribute directly to individuals, the Ministry has encouraged that BC Taekwondo use these funds to set up programs, workshops, events, etc. that will benefit the entire Taekwondo community on a broader scale. Any government funding directly distributed to athletes will be posted on the website. Information on selection criteria and funding allocation will be made available, when confirmed and approved by the Ministry.
What type of programs has BC Taekwondo developed with the use of Ministry funding? BC Taekwondo has and is in the process of continually developing a variety of programs to target athletes involved in various aspects of Taekwondo and in all stages of the LTAD. Current programs include: - BC Team Training – high performance competition athletes - BC Referee Development – athletes interested in the officiating and technical aspect of Taekwondo - BC Championships – young athletes new to the competitive Taekwondo scene Below are some programs currently in the process of development: - Poomse Seminars – athletes interested in the Martial Arts aspect of Taekwondo - Instructor Education for Teaching Athletes with a Disability – to increase the number of trained instructors in delivering support for athletes with a disability - Coaching Education – to increase the number to NCCP certified coaches coaching athletes in accordance to the LTAD model
If the government is providing funding to BC Taekwondo, why do athletes still have to fund some programs/events? Although BC Taekwondo receives support from the government, these funds must be distributed to a wide range of programs to include participation of athletes in all aspects of Taekwondo. Funds must be divided to support as many different programs as possible to ensure that there is equity in the way the funds are distributed. As a result, athletes may be required to partially subsidize some of the programs. This is not only at a provincial level.
Who should I contact for more information on BC Taekwondo Government Programming and Funding? For more information, please contact Laura Landry, Director of Government Programs at [email protected].